Federal Member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie has announced the Taree Sport and Recreation Grounds has been given the green light to receive a major upgrade.

Dr Gillespie said the Manning Valley Hockey Association was in the process of finalising an agreement with the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development for a $780,000 funding commitment after Federal Regional Development Minister Fiona Nash signed off on the proposal.

“The tender process has begun for construction of the clubhouse redevelopment and the tender process will also begin soon for the contract to build the third championship standard synthetic hockey field,” Dr Gillespie said.

Dr Gillespie said the federal government’s decision to provide funding was required to provide the region with a new sporting hub and expected growth in the local economy.

“They estimated that there were millions of dollars in accommodation, food and beverage and general business benefit to the whole (Manning) Valley and region by getting another all weather turf field.

“The concept of making Taree a bigger sporting mecca makes a lot of sense to me and the cycling club, hockey club and soccer people will find the benefit in it.

“It's a lasting beneficial bit of sporting hardware for the whole community and the whole economy,” Dr Gillespie said.

Dr Gillespie added that he will continue to look for additional funds available for other sports related projects in the area.